Methods and apparatuses for detecting medical device acceleration, temperature, and humidity conditions

ABSTRACT

An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/906,087 filed Oct. 16, 2010, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/606,588 filed Nov.29, 2006 and now abandoned, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to improvements in ambulatory medicaldevices, such as drug delivery systems or patient monitoring systems,and more specifically, to improved methods and apparatuses for detectingacceleration, temperature and humidity conditions in or around theseambulatory medical devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery systems and patientmonitoring systems, are used in the therapy of various diseases ormedical disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, pulmonary hypertension,thalassemia, and chronic pain. Many such devices are adapted to becarried by the user, for example, by means of a belt clip or harness, inthe user's clothing pocket, or attached to the user's body or clothing.

A common drug delivery system includes a tubing arrangement to delivermedication to a user cutaneously or subcutaneously. For example,ambulatory infusion pumps are used in delivering a prescribedmedication, such as insulin, to a user. In one form, these devicescomprise a relatively compact pump housing adapted to receive a syringeor reservoir carrying a prescribed medication for administration to theuser through infusion tubing and an associated catheter or infusion set.

The external infusion pump may include a small drive motor connected viaa suitable transmission assembly for motor-driven advancement of areservoir piston to administer the medication to the user. Programmablecontrols can operate the drive motor continuously or at periodicintervals to obtain a closely controlled and accurate delivery of themedication over an extended period of time. Such infusion pumps are usedto administer insulin and other medications, with exemplary pumpconstructions and systems being shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,562,751; 4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,097,122; 6,248,093;6,362,591; 6,554,798; and 6,555,986, which are incorporated by referenceherein.

External infusion pumps of the general type described above haveprovided significant advantages and benefits with respect to accuratedelivery of medication or other fluids over an extended period of time.The infusion pump can be designed to be extremely compact as well aswater resistant, and may be carried by the user, for example, by meansof a belt clip or harness, in the user's clothing pocket, or attached tothe user's body or clothing. As a result, important medication can bedelivered to the user with precision and in an automated manner, withoutsignificant restriction on the user's mobility or lifestyle, includingin some cases the ability to participate in water sports.

Due to their small size and portability, ambulatory medical devices canbe subjected to a number of external conditions that may adverselyaffect their performance.

For example, external infusion pumps can sustain an occlusion in thedelivery tubing. Some pumps have alarm systems designed to detect andindicate pump malfunction or nondelivery of the medication as a resultof occlusions. There exists, nevertheless, a need for furtherimprovements in these ambulatory medical devices, particularly withrespect to providing warnings or system operational changes in responseto external conditions that may affect medical device performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed are ambulatory medical devices that are adapted for carryingby a person on an exterior of the person's body, and includeacceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors for detecting conditionsin or around the devices. In response to the detected conditions, themedical devices may, among other things, alter the operation of thedevices, provide alarms or warnings to the user, or transmit data toanother device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an ambulatory medical devicesuch as an external infusion device for infusing fluid into a personfrom a reservoir comprises a housing adapted to be carried on anexterior of the person's body. The infusion device also includes a drivemechanism contained in the housing and operatively coupled to thereservoir to deliver the fluid from the reservoir into the person'sbody. The infusion device further includes a processor contained in thehousing, and an indicator operatively coupled to the processor andadapted to indicate information about the infusion device to the person.An acceleration sensor also is coupled to the processor and is adaptedto provide an acceleration output signal as a function of accelerationforces acting on the housing. The processor is adapted to control theinfusion device in accordance with the acceleration output signal.

In particular embodiments, the infusion device further includes a memorycontained in the housing and coupled to the processor. The memory isadapted to store a predetermined acceleration threshold corresponding toan impact on the housing. If the acceleration output signal exceeds thepredetermined acceleration threshold, the processor is adapted tocontrol the infusion device by causing the indicator to provide an alarmor a warning to the person about the impact. Alternatively, theprocessor is adapted to control the infusion device by causing the drivemechanism to alter delivery of the fluid into the person's body. Infurther alternative embodiments, the infusion device also includes atransmitter/receiver coupled to the processor and adapted to communicatewith a remote device, and the processor is adapted to control theinfusion device by causing the transmitter/receiver to send informationabout the impact to the remote device.

In some embodiments, the acceleration sensor is an accelerometer. Inother embodiments, the acceleration sensor is an impact switch disposedwithin the housing.

In additional embodiments, the infusion device also includes a memorycontained in the housing and coupled to the processor. The memory isadapted to store a predetermined acceleration force corresponding to aphysical activity of the person. If the acceleration output signalexceeds the predetermined acceleration force, the processor is adaptedto control the infusion device by causing the indicator to notify theperson about the physical activity. Alternatively, the processor isadapted to control the infusion device by causing the drive mechanism toalter delivery of the fluid into the person's body from a currentdelivery rate to a modified delivery rate. In further alternativeembodiments, the infusion device also includes a transmitter/receivercoupled to the processor and adapted to communicate with a remotedevice, and the processor is adapted to control the infusion device bycausing the transmitter/receiver to send information about the physicalactivity to the remote device. In other embodiments, the memory isfurther adapted to store data about at least one of frequency, duration,and intensity of the physical activity of the person.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an ambulatory medicaldevice such as an external infusion device for infusing fluid into aperson from a reservoir comprises a housing adapted to be carried on anexterior of the person's body. The infusion device also includes a drivemechanism contained in the housing and operatively coupled to thereservoir to deliver the fluid from the reservoir into the person'sbody. The infusion device further includes a processor contained in thehousing, and a memory coupled to the processor and adapted to store apredetermined temperature threshold. A thermal sensor is also coupled tothe processor and adapted to provide a temperature output signal as afunction of temperature in the housing. The processor is adapted tocompare the temperature output signal with the predetermined temperaturethreshold, and to control the infusion device based on the temperaturecomparison.

In particular embodiments, the infusion device further includes anindicator operatively coupled to the processor and adapted to indicateinformation to the person about the temperature output signal. In someembodiments, if the temperature output signal exceeds the predeterminedtemperature threshold, the processor is adapted to control the infusiondevice by causing the indicator to provide an alarm or a warning to theperson about the temperature output signal. For example, the fluidinfused into the person's body may be medication, and the predeterminedtemperature threshold may correspond to a temperature that causes themedication to degrade, so that the alarm or warning may indicatedegradation of the medication to the person. In other embodiments, ifthe temperature output signal is less than the predetermined temperaturethreshold, the processor is adapted to control the infusion device bycausing the indicator to provide an alarm or a warning to the personabout the temperature output signal. For example, the infusion devicemay further include a battery that is adapted to provide power for theinfusion device and has a discharge resistance that varies withtemperature. The predetermined temperature threshold may correspond to atemperature that causes the discharge resistance of the battery toincrease by at least 10 percent, so that the alarm or warning mayindicate reduced life of the battery to the person.

In additional embodiments, the infusion device includes a batteryadapted to provide power for the infusion device. The processor isadapted to sample the battery at a first sampling frequency to determineremaining power of the battery. If the temperature output signal is lessthan the predetermined temperature threshold, the processor is furtheradapted to control the infusion device by altering sampling of thebattery from the first sampling frequency to a second samplingfrequency.

In further embodiments, the memory is also adapted to store apredetermined force threshold corresponding to a fluid occlusion in theinfusion device. If the temperature output signal is less than thepredetermined temperature threshold, the processor is adapted to controlthe infusion device by modifying the predetermined force threshold toprovide a modified force threshold.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an ambulatorymedical device such as an external infusion device comprises a housingadapted to be carried by a person and a processor contained in thehousing. The infusion device also includes an indicator operativelycoupled to the processor and adapted to indicate information about theinfusion device to the person. A memory is coupled to the processor andadapted to store a predetermined humidity threshold. The infusion devicefurther includes a humidity sensor coupled to the processor and adaptedto provide a humidity output signal as a function of humidity in oraround the housing. The processor is adapted to compare the humidityoutput signal with the predetermined humidity threshold, and to controlthe infusion device based on the humidity comparison.

In particular embodiments, if the humidity output signal exceeds thepredetermined humidity threshold, the processor is adapted to controlthe infusion device by causing the indicator to provide an alarm or awarning to the person about the humidity output signal. For example, thepredetermined humidity threshold may correspond to entry of water intothe housing, and the indicator is adapted to provide the alarm orwarning to the person about the entry of water into the housing. Inother embodiments, if the humidity output signal is less than thepredetermined humidity threshold, the processor is adapted to controlthe infusion device by causing the indicator to provide an alarm or awarning to the person about the humidity output signal. For example, thepredetermined humidity threshold may correspond to a humidity level thatcauses the infusion device to be susceptible to damage due to staticelectricity, and the indicator is adapted to provide the alarm orwarning to the person about the static electricity.

There are additional aspects to the present invention. It shouldtherefore be understood that the preceding is merely a brief summary ofsome embodiments and aspects of the present inventions. Additionalembodiments and aspects of the present inventions are referenced below.It should further be understood that numerous changes to the disclosedembodiments can be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. The preceding summary therefore is not meant to limit thescope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to bedetermined by appended claims and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an infusion pump according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side plan, cut-away view of an infusion pump drive system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an infusion pump and system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an impact switch inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of an impact switch inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of an impact switch inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram of an impact switch inaccordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof and which illustrate severalembodiments of the present invention. It is understood that otherembodiments may be used, and structural and operational changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the invention isembodied in an ambulatory medical device that includes acceleration,thermal, and/or humidity sensors for detecting acceleration,temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device.In response to detected conditions, the medical device may alteroperation of the medical device, provide alarm or text messages to theuser, and/or transmit data about the detected conditions to anotherdevice or system. In one embodiment, the medical device is a drugdelivery system, such as an external infusion pump for deliveringinsulin into the body of a user. However, in alternative embodiments,the medical device may be other drug delivery systems for deliveringother fluids into the body of the user, such as medication other thaninsulin (e.g., HIV drugs, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, ironchelation drugs, pain medications, and anti-cancer treatments),chemicals, enzymes, antigens, hormones, vitamins, or the like. In otheralternative embodiments, the medical device may be a patient monitoringsystem, such as a continuous glucose monitoring system for determiningglucose levels in the blood or other bodily fluids of the user. Infurther alternative embodiments, the medical device may be other patientmonitoring systems (e.g., pulse rate monitors, electrocardiogrammonitors, and the like, such as the Holter monitor) for determining theconcentrations, levels, or quantities of other characteristics,analytes, or agents in the user, such as hormones, cholesterol, oxygen,pH, lactate, heart rate, respiratory rate, medication concentrations,viral loads (e.g., HIV), or the like.

One example of an ambulatory medical device is the external infusionpump 100 shown in FIG. 1. The pump 100 includes a housing 101 thatcontains an electronics compartment (not shown), including a processor(not shown) for running programs and controlling the pump 100. The pump100 may be programmed by a care provider, such as a physician or trainedmedical personnel, or by the user. To program the pump 100, anindividual utilizes a display 102 and a keypad of buttons 104, 106, 108,110, and 112 located on the housing 101 to access and/or modify controlparameters and data for the pump 100. The display 102 providesinformation regarding program parameters, delivery profiles, pumpoperation, alarms, warnings, statuses, or the like. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the pump 100 has five buttons or keys including anUp-Arrow key 104, an ACT (activate) key 106, a Down-Arrow key 108, anESC (escape) Key 110, and an Express Bolus key 112. In alternativeembodiments, the pump 100 may utilize more or less keys or havedifferent key arrangements than those illustrated in the figure. Thepump 100 uses the control parameters to calculate and issue commandsthat affect the rate and/or frequency that the pump 100 delivers fluid,preferably medication such as insulin, through a fitting 202 andflexible tubing 204, and into an infusion set 206 that is adhered to thebody of the user.

FIG. 2 illustrates a drive system for an infusion pump 301 according toan embodiment of the present invention. The pump 301 includes a housing318 that contains an electronics compartment 310. The electronicscompartment 310 houses a power supply (not shown) for providing power tooperate the pump 301, and system electronics for the pump 301, includinga processor (not shown) for running programs and controlling the pump301.

The housing 318 of the pump 301 also contains a drive mechanismincluding a motor 302, gear box 306, drive screw 303, slide 304, stopper307, and reservoir 305, which are generally concentrically aligned. Themotor 302 rotates the drive screw 303 via the gear box 306. The drivescrew 303 has external threads, which engage internal threads 322 on acylindrical bore 320 running most of the length of the slide 304. Thus,the rotational torque of the drive screw 303 is translated into axialforce on the slide 304. The slide 304 further includes one or more tabs314 that fit within one or more slots 316 in the housing 318 to preventthe slide 304 from rotating with respect to the housing 318. As thedrive screw 303 rotates, the slide 304 is forced to travel along itsaxis. The slide 304 is in removable contact with the stopper 307 withinthe reservoir 305. As the slide 304 advances into the reservoir 305, thestopper 307 is displaced forcing fluid out of the reservoir 305, througha fitting 308 and tubing 309, and into an infusion set (not shown)attached to the body of the user.

A sensor 311 is positioned between the motor 302 and the housing 318 todetect forces translated from fluid pressure within the reservoir 305through the stopper 307, slide 304, drive screw 303, and the gear box306 to the motor 302. The sensor 311 provides a range of measurementsbased on the detected forces. However, because the infusion pump 301 canbe carried by users who engage in a variety of physical activities andtravel, the pump 301 can be subjected to various environmental changesthat do not always result in occlusions, but nevertheless can eitheradversely affect performance of the pump 301 or indicate a need to varyoperation of the pump 301 due to changing medication needs of the user.Therefore, the pump 301 also includes acceleration, thermal, and/orhumidity sensors (not shown) which, as explained in greater detailbelow, can detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditionsin or around the pump 301, and in response to the detected conditions,the pump 301 may alter its operation, provide an alarm or text messageto the user, or transmit data to another device.

FIG. 3 illustrates one hardware and software environment in whichcertain embodiments of the present invention may be implemented. In oneembodiment, an ambulatory medical device is a drug delivery system, suchas an external infusion pump, for regulating the delivery of medicationsuch as insulin into the body of a user. Examples of the infusion pumpmay be of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,562,751;4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,097,122; 5,505,709; 6,248,093;6,362,591; 6,554,798; 6,555,986; and 6,752,787, which are hereinincorporated by reference.

As shown in FIG. 3, the infusion pump 410 includes a housing 420 thatcontains a processor 418 adapted to control the pump 410. The processor418 is coupled to a drive mechanism 432, which is connected to areservoir 434 containing fluid. The drive mechanism 432 causes the fluidto be delivered from the reservoir 434, and then into a body of a userthrough tubing and an infusion set 438. The processor 418 is alsocoupled to an internal memory device 422 that stores programs,historical data, user-defined information, and parameters. In oneembodiment, the memory 422 is a flash memory and SRAM; however, inalternative embodiments, the memory 422 may comprise other devices, suchas ROM, DRAM, RAM, EPROM, dynamic storage such as other flash memory, oran energy efficient hard-drive.

The infusion pump 410 is programmed by a user input device, such as akeypad 424 mounted on the exterior of the housing 420 and coupled to theprocessor 418. An individual, such as a care provider or a user, presseskeys on the keypad 424 to display and scroll through information, callup menus, select menu items, select control parameters, change controlparameters (change values or settings), enter information, turn on abacklight, and the like. Feedback from the infusion pump 410 on statusor programming changes is provided to the individual on an indicationdevice, such as visually on a display 428, audibly through an audiblealarm 430 (e.g., piezo buzzer, annuciator, speaker, or the like), and/ortactilely through a vibration alarm 416. The individual may activate ordeactivate the audible alarm 430 and/or the vibration alarm 416 byaccessing control parameters on the pump 410. Feedback from the infusionpump 410 may include signals that notify the individual of modificationsto the control parameters, announce that the infusion pump 410 is aboutto initiate a particular operation, indicate a mode of operation,provide a warning (for instance to indicate a low fluid level in thereservoir or low battery power), present an alarm (such as from a timeror a clock), present an error message to indicate a malfunction of thesystem (such as an occlusion that restricts the delivery of the fluid, asoftware error, or the like), request input, confirm that communicationhas been established, and the like. Alarms and warnings may start out ata low level and escalate until acknowledged by the user. In particularembodiments, the alarm intensity changes over time. If the individualdoes not respond to the alarm, the alarm may change tone, change volume,increase the vibration amplitude or frequency, project a brighter lightor a different color light, flash, flash at a different frequency, andthe like. In alternative embodiments, the intensity may vary up or down,or alternatively, the intensity may be constant. In other alternativeembodiments, the intensity may change by activating different alarmtypes over time.

In further alternative embodiments, the keypad 424 may be omitted, andthe display 428 may be used as a touch screen input device. In yet otheralternative embodiments, the infusion pump 410 may be programmed bycommands received from a remote programmer 415 (e.g., PDA, programmerdedicated to communication with the infusion pump 410, or the like)through a transmitter/receiver 417 that is coupled to the processor 418.The remote programmer 415 may be used to program the infusion pump 410in addition to the keypad 424, display 428, audible alarm 430, and/orvibration alarm 416. Alternatively, the keypad 424, display 428, audiblealarm 430, and/or vibration alarm 416 may be omitted, and allprogramming may be handled by the remote programmer 415. In otheralternative embodiments, the infusion pump 410 may be programmed throughan interface, such as a cable or communication station, using a computeror the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, a power supply 440, such as a battery,provides the power to operate the infusion pump 410. In particularembodiments, the power supply is one or more replaceable AAA batteries.Energy storage devices such as capacitors, backup batteries, or the likeprovide temporary power to maintain the memory during power supplyreplacement. In alternative embodiments, the power supply is one or morebutton batteries, zinc air batteries, alkaline batteries, lithiumbatteries, lithium silver oxide batteries, AA batteries, or the like. Instill further alternative embodiments, the power supply is rechargeable.

The infusion pump 410 may also allow the user to transfer or downloadinformation (e.g., infusion pump history data, sensor data, data fromother medical devices, updates to programs, or the like) between thememory 422 of the infusion pump 410 and an external device, such as theremote programmer 415, a computer, another medical device (e.g., bloodglucose meter, glucose monitor), or the like. For example, informationmay be transferred to and/or from the infusion pump 410 through aninterface, such as a cable or communication station, to a computer, oralternatively, over the Internet to a remote server, for storage.Alternatively, information may be transferred to and/or from thetransmitter/receiver 417 of the infusion pump 410 via a wireless orwired connection to a transmitter/receiver in an external device, suchas an external communication link, computer, the remote programmer 415,or the like. The transmitter/receiver 417 of the infusion pump 410 maycommunicate with external devices using radio frequencies; however,alternative embodiments may use optical, infrared (IR), ultrasonicfrequencies, magnetic effects, electrical cables, or the like.

In other alternative embodiments, the infusion pump may include separatedurable and disposable housing portions that selectively engage anddisengage from each other. The durable housing portion may include theelectronics (e.g., processor, memory, and the like) and drive mechanism,and the disposable housing portion may include the reservoir and/orother components that may be disposed of after a prescribed period. Suchan infusion pump may be of the type shown and described in U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/678,290 filed May 6, 2005 andentitled “Infusion Device and Method with Disposable Portion,” U.S.application Ser. No. 11/211,095 filed Aug. 23, 2005 and entitled“Infusion Device and Method with Disposable Portion,” and U.S.application Ser. No. 11/210,467 filed Aug. 23, 2005 and entitled“Infusion Device and Method with Drive Device in Infusion Device andMethod with Drive Device in Separable Durable Housing,” all of which areherein incorporated by reference. Such an infusion pump may also be ofthe type shown and described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/839,821 filed Aug. 23, 2006 and entitled “Systems and MethodsAllowing for Reservoir Filling and Infusion Medium Delivery,” U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/839,822 filed Aug. 23, 2006 andentitled “Infusion Medium Delivery Device and Method with Drive Devicefor Driving Plunger in Reservoir,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.60/839,832 filed Aug. 23, 2006 and entitled “Infusion Medium DeliveryDevice and Method with Compressible or Curved Reservoir or Conduit,”U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/839,840 filed Aug. 23, 2006 andentitled “Infusion Medium Delivery System, Device and Method with NeedleInserter and Needle Inserter Device and Method,” and U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/839,741 filed Aug. 23, 2006 and entitled“Infusion Pumps and Methods and Delivery Devices and Methods with Same,”all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

As previously discussed, ambulatory medical devices, including drugdelivery systems such as an external infusion pump, may encountervarious environmental changes that could adversely affect performance.For example, a pump can be damaged if dropped or bumped onto a hardobject or surface such as a floor, doorway, counter or desk. If the pumpis dropped or bumped with sufficient force, it may become damaged to anextent that it cannot adequately perform its intended functions. Thetubing, infusion set, or reservoir may become damaged such thatmedication leaks out and is not delivered to the user. Also, the pumphousing may become cracked, or the electronics or power supply or drivemechanism contained within the pump may become damaged by the impact. Ifthe pump lacks the ability to detect and alarm for this condition, theuser may not receive the expected medication and may experience adverseeffects such as hyperglycemia. Additionally, if the pump becomes damageddue to an impact, it would be useful to indicate this condition to theuser, such as by an alarm (display, audio or vibratory), thus notifyinghim or her of the need to check the pump for damage. Furthermore, if thepump is dropped or bumped with sufficient force along the axis of thereservoir, unintended medication delivery may occur. The user mayunexpectedly receive medication, and as a result, experiencehypoglycemia. It would be useful to notify the user of the impact sothat the user could take preventative measures to avoid hypoglycemia.

Ambulatory medical devices may also come into contact with externalfluids such as water or cleaning agents. For example, some externalinfusion pumps are labeled for use in water. If the pump housing becomescracked due to an impact, fluid may be able to enter the pump, and as aresult, the pump may no longer function properly. Again, it would beuseful to notify the user of this potential condition, thus permitting aself-check of the pump or notification of the manufacturer or a repairfacility for assistance.

Therefore, the infusion pump 410 further includes an acceleration sensor414, a thermal sensor 426, and a humidity sensor 412. The acceleration,thermal, and humidity sensors 414, 426, and 412 are coupled to andcommunicate with the processor 418. For example, based on data from theacceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors 414, 426, and 412, theprocessor 418 may: (1) cause the drive mechanism 432 to alter the fluiddelivery rate, (2) activate the display 428, audible alarm 430, and/orvibration alarm 416 to provide alarms or warnings to the user, and/or(3) utilize the transmitter/receiver 417 to send data to another device,such as the remote programmer 415 or other remote devices or systems viaremote data communication network(s). Examples of communication betweenthe pump 410 (or other medical device) and a remote device or system viaa remote data communication network may be of the type shown anddescribed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/414,160 filed Apr. 28, 2006and entitled “Remote Monitoring for Networked Fluid Infusion Systems,”which is herein incorporated by reference. For example, the pump 410 maytransmit information (e.g., warnings, alarms, notifications) based ondata from the acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors 414, 426,and 412 to a remote device carried by the user's caregiver or physicianvia a computer network, pager network, cellular telecommunicationnetwork, satellite communication network, or the like. Additionally, thememory 422 is adapted to store values associated with the outputs of theacceleration sensor 414, the thermal sensor 426, and the humidity sensor412, as well as values associated with predetermined accelerationforces, temperatures, and humidity levels.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the ambulatorymedical device may be other drug delivery systems for delivering otherfluids into the body of the user, such as medication other than insulin(e.g., HIV drugs, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelationdrugs, pain medications, and anti-cancer treatments), chemicals,enzymes, antigens, hormones, vitamins, or the like. In other alternativeembodiments, the medical device may be a patient monitoring system, suchas a continuous glucose monitoring system, for obtaining an indicationof glucose levels in the blood or other fluids in the body of a user.Examples of the continuous glucose monitoring system may be of the typeshown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,248,067; 6,418,332; 6,424,847;6,809,653; and 6,895,263, which are herein incorporated by reference. Infurther alternative embodiments, the medical device may be other patientmonitoring systems (e.g., pulse rate monitors, electrocardiogrammonitors, and the like, such as the Holter monitor) for determining theconcentrations, levels, or quantities of other characteristics,analytes, or agents in the user, such as hormones, cholesterol, oxygen,pH, lactate, heart rate, respiratory rate, medication concentrations,viral loads (e.g., HIV), or the like. Such medical devices may includeacceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors similar to the sensors414, 426, and 412.

In particular embodiments, an acceleration sensor 414 is included withinan ambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump 410 and is usedas an indicator of potential damage to the pump 410 due to an impact. Inone embodiment, the acceleration sensor 414 is an accelerometer whichprovides a signal that is proportional to the acceleration (ordeceleration) forces (i.e., the rate of change of velocity with respectto time) to which the pump 410 is subjected. The processor 418 withinthe pump 410 monitors the signal from the accelerometer for a valuelarger than a predetermined or programmed threshold stored in memory422, and if the accelerometer signal reaches that threshold, theprocessor 418 causes an alarm or warning to be provided to the uservisually on the display 428, audibly by the audible alarm 430, and/ortactilely with the vibration alarm 416. The acceleration threshold maybe determined by testing or other methods to be the acceleration whichmay potentially cause damage to any part of the pump 410.

Accelerometers typically have one or more axes of sensitivity. In thesimplest form, the accelerometer can have a single axis of sensitivity.Therefore, the signal generated from the accelerometer will be thevector sum of accelerations along that axis. This property can bebeneficial since the accelerometer can be mounted such that its axis ofsensitivity is aligned with the direction of most concern within theambulatory medical device.

If there is concern for damage to the medical device along multipledirections (axes), then multiple, single-axis accelerometers can beused. Alternatively, a single acceleration sensor may have multiple axesof sensitivity and detect acceleration in a plurality of directions. Oneexample of such an acceleration sensor is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,833,713. Again, this sensor can be mounted in the medical device in anorientation that monitors acceleration signals in the desireddirections.

If there is concern for damage to the medical device due to impact inany direction, then a 3-axis accelerometer can be used, such as onemanufactured by Entran Devices, Inc., Fairfield, N.J. A 3-axisorthogonal accelerometer can be mounted as a discrete component withinthe medical device, such as within the housing, attached to a mechanicalcomponent, or directly on a printed circuit board. For example, such anaccelerometer could be mounted within the housing 420 of the pump 410,attached to a component of the drive mechanism 432, or directly on thecircuit board that includes the processor 418 or other electroniccomponents.

Furthermore, if it is desirable to have different levels of sensitivityalong multiple axes, then an accelerometer with discrete axes ofsensitivity can be mounted along each of those axes (i.e. orthogonal ornot orthogonal) and monitored and processed independently. For example,the acceleration sensor 414 within the pump 410 can be an orthogonal3-axis accelerometer and monitor the signals from each axisindependently. If, in this example, it is desired to have differentlevels of sensitivity along the axis of the reservoir 434, the axisperpendicular to the display 428, and the corresponding orthogonal axis,then the accelerometer can be mounted so that each of the threeorthogonal sensor axes is aligned with one of those directions. Thus,each of these axes can be monitored independently and produceacceleration signals corresponding to impacts in those directions.

Varying acceleration threshold levels can be programmed into the pump410 for each of these axes or combination of axes to produce theappropriate alarm or warning messages. For example, a light impactgenerating a relatively low acceleration level can result in a warningto the user to look for potential damage to his/her pump 410, whereas ahard impact generating a relatively high acceleration level can resultin an alarm and instructions for the user to call the manufacturer andreturn the pump 410 for analysis. The processor 418 may activate thedisplay 428, audible alarm 430, and/or vibration alarm 416 to providealarms or warnings to the user. For example, the pump 410 can alarm andinstruct the user to investigate damage, such as a leaking infusion set438 or broken reservoir 434, a cracked pump housing 420 or damage to thepower supply 440 or other electronic components. The pump 410 can alsoinstruct the user to perform a self-check, or it can automatically run aself-check to identify damage that may not be visible to the user.Further, the processor 418 may cause the drive mechanism 432 to alterthe delivery of fluid to the user or activate the transmitter/receiver417 to cause data, such as alarms, to be sent to another device, such asthe remote programmer 415.

Accelerometers are based on several different technologies, such aspiezoelectric, thermal, servo, strain gauge, capacitance, microelectro-mechanical systems (“MEMS”), and resonance shift. Each of thesetechnologies has different advantages. Piezoelectric (“PE”) sensorsgenerate a charge when strained. Since PE sensors generate their ownsignal, they are referred to as active sensors. However, PE sensorsprovide only an AC response, and thus, can only detect impacts or shockto the medical device. Such PE sensors are available from severalcompanies including Measurement Specialties, Inc., Fairfield, N.J.

Another class of sensors is referred to as passive sensors, which changesome measurable property when strained. For example, a piezoresistivesensor changes its resistance when strained. Piezoresistive sensorsprovide both an AC and DC response, and thus, can detect both impacts orshock to, as well as slight tilt or movement of, the medical device.However, in order to measure the change in resistance, piezoresistivesensors require a constant power supply. Other examples of passivesensors include capacitive based sensors which measure a change incapacitance when strained, and resonance shift sensors which measure ashift in frequency when loaded or strained.

The choice of sensor technology depends on the available power supply,the need to measure a steady-state (DC) input, and the desired frequencyof measurement. In the case of many ambulatory medical devices such asexternal infusion pumps, the power supply is limited to a battery. Inone embodiment of such a medical device, continuous non-DC measurementmay be desired. Therefore, a sensor technology that requires very lowpower to operate is often desirable for such medical devices. Sincepiezoresistive sensors require a constant power supply to operate, thissensor technology may not be appropriate. However, since piezoelectricsensors are active devices that can generate a signal, less power may berequired to operate them, and thus, they may be a more desirable sensortechnology for battery-powered, ambulatory medical devices such asexternal infusion pumps.

In alternative embodiments, the acceleration sensor 414 incorporatedinto an ambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump 410 may bean impact or acceleration switch, which provides an “on” or “off” outputsignal when its seismic mass is subjected to a predetermined level ofacceleration. FIG. 4 shows a simplistic representation of an impactswitch 601 with an “on” or “off” state. The switch 601 includes aseismic mass 618 comprised of an electrically conductive arm 602 and anelectrically conductive plug 606. The arm 602 is pivotably coupled to ahousing 604 of the medical device, and the plug 606 is mounted on thefree end of the arm 602. The plug 606 is electrically coupled to the arm602, and the arm 602 is electrically coupled to an electrical output614. In yet another embodiment, the plug 606 may be omitted, and theseismic mass 618 may simply include the arm 602 having a free end andadapted to be held by a latch mechanism.

The switch 601 also includes a first electrically conductive latch 608and a second electrically conductive latch 616, which are adapted toreleasably secure the plug 606 and are electrically coupled to anelectrical input 612. In the illustrated embodiment, the first andsecond latches 608 and 616 are latch springs having a concave-shapedcross section. The plug 606 has a complementary concave-shapedcross-section that allows the plug 606 to mate with either of the latchsprings 608 or 616. However, in other embodiments, the latches 608 and616 and the plug 606 may have alternative geometries or latchingmechanisms.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 601 further includes twoopposed springs 610 that bias the arm 602 such that the plug 606 is in aspaced-apart relationship between the first latch 608 and the secondlatch 616. In one embodiment, the springs 610 may be coil springs;however, in alternative embodiments, the springs 610 may be otherbiasing elements, such as leaf springs or the like.

Referring back to FIG. 4, when the medical device is subjected to anacceleration force of a predetermined magnitude and direction along anaxis of sensitivity of the switch 601, the arm 602 will pivot toward oneof the latches 608 or 616, and the plug 606 will be releasably securedby that latch 608 or 616. As a result, a circuit between the electricalinput 612 and the electrical output 614 will be closed, therebyproviding an output signal that indicates the medical device has beensubjected to an acceleration force of the predetermined magnitude anddirection along the axis of sensitivity of the medical device.

One advantage of an impact switch that can maintain its “on/off” staterelates to the operation of the electronics within a battery-operated,ambulatory medical device such as an external infusion pump. It iscommon for certain sub-systems requiring higher power (e.g.,microprocessor, power supply, motor, or measurement system) to shut downwhen not in use, and then “wake-up” only during scheduled times toperform their operation or function, in order to extend battery life.Because the switch can maintain its change of state (i.e., theelectrical connection between the electrical input and electricaloutput) due to an impact, the medical device does not have tocontinuously monitor for a signal from the impact switch. Thus, themedical device can shut down certain system electronics when not in use,and wait until the next time the system electronics “wake-up” to checkfor a signal from the switch. As described above, the appropriate alarmsor warnings can be provided to the user upon detecting a signal from theimpact switch. Alternatively, the switch can cause the drive system tobe shut down so that the drive system cannot be inadvertently activateddue to the impact.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of an impact switch 701 that canmaintain its “on/off” state. The switch 701 includes a seismic mass 718comprised of an electrically conductive arm 702 and an electricallyconductive contact member 706. The arm 702 is pivotably coupled to ahousing 704 of the medical device, and the contact member 706 is mountedon the free end of the arm 702. The arm 702 and the contact member 706are electrically coupled to one another and to a switch electricaloutput 714. In another embodiment, the contact member 706 may beomitted, and the seismic mass 718 may simply include the arm 702 havinga free end and adapted to abut and be held in position by anelectromagnet.

The switch 701 also includes first and second electromagnets 708 and720, which are adapted to generate magnetic fields that individuallyhave sufficient strength to releasably hold the contact member 706, atleast a portion of which is constructed of a ferromagnetic material. Thefirst and second electromagnets 708 and 720 are also electricallycoupled to a switch electrical input 712. Power to the electromagnets708 and 720 for generating the magnetic fields is provided via a magnetelectrical input 722 and a magnet electrical output 724. A reset switch716 electrically connects the magnet electrical input 722 to the magnetelectrical output 724 when the switch 716 is closed, thus shunting theelectricity flow from the electromagnets 708 and 720 and causing themagnetic field to collapse.

In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 701 further includes twoopposed springs 710 that bias the arm 702 such that the contact member706 is in a spaced-apart relationship between the first and secondelectromagnets 708, 720. In one embodiment, the springs 710 may be coilsprings; however, in alternative embodiments, the springs 710 may beother biasing elements, such as leaf springs or the like.

Referring back to FIG. 5, when the switch 701 is subjected to anacceleration force of a predetermined magnitude and direction along anaxis of sensitivity of the switch 701, the arm 702 will pivot toward oneof the electromagnets 708 or 720, and the contact member 706 will abutthe electromagnet 708 or 720 and be releasably held in position by itsmagnetic field. As a result, a circuit between the switch electricalinput 712 and the switch electrical output 714 is closed, therebyproviding an output signal that indicates the medical device has beensubjected to an acceleration force of the predetermined magnitude anddirection along the axis of sensitivity of the medical device. When itis desired to reset the impact switch 701, the reset switch 716 isclosed, thus collapsing the magnetic fields and releasing the contactmember 706 to return to its initial position between the electromagnets708 and 720.

As with the switch 601 of FIG. 4, this switch 701 of FIG. 5 also willlatch its condition upon experiencing a predetermined accelerationforce. However, this type of switch 701 may be better suited for resetfollowing acknowledgement of an alarm since electromagnets 708 and 720are used to hold the contact member 706. The use of a switch, such asthe reset switch 716 of FIG. 5, to reset the impact switch 701 after analarm may be more convenient in some applications than the use of amechanical release mechanism to release the latch plug 606 from one ofthe latches 608 or 616 in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an impact switch 901 that canbe incorporated as an acceleration sensor 414 into an ambulatory medicaldevice such as an external infusion pump 410. The impact switch 901includes a seismic mass 904 comprised of an electrically conductive armmember 902 and an electrically conductive impact head 906. The arm 902has one end rigidly coupled to a housing 916 of the medical device.Alternatively, the arm 902 may be coupled to electronics (not shown)contained within the housing of the medical device. In the illustratedembodiment, the impact head 906 is mounted on the free end of the arm902 and is electrically coupled to the arm 902. The arm 902 isconstructed of a material that permits resilient deflection and iselectrically coupled to an electrical output 914. For example, the arm902 can be constructed of stainless steel or beryllium copper, or othermaterials having the desired resiliency and electrical conductivity.

The switch 901 also includes two electrically conductive contacts 908and 910, which are fixedly mounted adjacent to the impact head 906 andare electrically coupled to an electrical input 912. Thus, the impacthead 906 is in a spaced-apart relationship between the contacts 908 and910 when no acceleration force acts on the medical device.

When the medical device is subjected to an acceleration force of apredetermined magnitude and direction along an axis of sensitivity ofthe switch 901, the arm 902 will deflect toward one of the contacts 908or 910, and the head 906 will briefly touch that contact 908 or 910before returning to its equilibrium position. When this occurs, theelectrical circuit between the electrical input 912 and the electricaloutput 914 is momentarily closed, thus producing a voltage spike orpulse at the electrical output 914. System electronics monitor theoutput 914 for such a voltage pulse, and provide an appropriate alarm orother indication as described above when such a pulse is detected.

FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of an impact switch 801, whichemploys a principle similar to that of the switch 901 of FIG. 7.However, the switch 801 of FIG. 6 can provide an output signal as afunction of predetermined acceleration forces along two, three or moreaxes of sensitivity of the switch 801. Additionally, the switch 801 canhave the same or different levels of sensitivity (i.e., respond todifferent acceleration forces) along each axis of sensitivity of theswitch 801. The switch 801 includes a seismic mass comprised of ahook-shaped arm member 804 rigidly coupled to a housing 802 of themedical device and an electrically conductive impact head 808 secured tothe free end of the arm 804. The arm 804 is electrically conductive andis electrically coupled to an electrical output 812.

The arm 804 is constructed of a material that allows for resilientdeflection, and due to its hook shape, is adapted for deflection along aplurality of imaginary lines of motion in three dimensions. For example,the arm 804 can be constructed of stainless steel, beryllium copper, orother materials having the desired resiliency and electricalconductivity. Alternatively, the arm can be made of nonconductivematerial having the desired resiliency, such as plastic, and a flexiblewire having the desired electrical conductivity can be integrated withthe arm. Each of the imaginary lines of motion defines an imaginaryplane. Thus, a plurality of imaginary planes are defined, some of whichhave a relationship other than being parallel to one another, includingplanes that are generally orthogonal to one another in three dimensions.In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 804 has a hook or bend with acurvature of approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, thecurvature may be less or more than 90 degrees, such as, for example, acurvature of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees.

Five electrically conductive contact surfaces 806 a-806 e are fixedlymounted to form a conductive, generally box-shaped enclosure 806 havingan open end. The enclosure 806 generally surrounds both the impact head808 as well as a portion of the free end of the arm 804. All of thecontact surfaces 806 a-806 e are electrically coupled to an electricalinput 810. The impact head 808 is in a spaced apart relationship witheach of the surfaces 806 a-806 e when no acceleration force acts on themedical device.

When an acceleration force of a predetermined magnitude and directionacts on the medical device, the arm 804 deflects and the impact head 808briefly touches one of the contact surfaces 806 a-806 e before returningto the equilibrium position. When this occurs, the electrical circuitbetween the electrical input 810 and the electrical output 812 ismomentarily completed, thus producing a voltage spike or pulse at theelectrical output 812. System electronics monitor the output 812 forsuch a voltage pulse, and provide an appropriate alarm or otherindication as described above when such a pulse is detected.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 6 involves five generally planar-shapedcontact surfaces that form a generally box-shaped enclosure, otherembodiments may include a greater or lesser number of contact surfaceshaving different shapes that may or may not form an enclosure. Forexample, one embodiment may include only two planar-shaped contactsurfaces that are oriented generally orthogonal to one another. On theother hand, other embodiments may include a plurality of contactsurfaces that form any polyhedron-shaped enclosure having geometriesother than the box-shaped enclosure of FIG. 6 or that form a sphericalor cylindrical-shaped enclosure.

With respect to the embodiments of both FIGS. 6 and 7, various impactacceleration set points can be established by varying the length of thearm 804 or 902, the curvature of the bend in the arm 804 in FIG. 6, thecross-sectional shape of the arm 804 or 902, the material from which thearm 804 or 902 is constructed, the density of the material from whichthe impact head 808 or 906 is constructed, and the distance between theimpact head 808 or 906 and the contact surface 806 a-e or 908 and 910 atequilibrium (i.e. when no acceleration force is being applied to theswitch 801 or 901). In other alternative embodiments, the impact head808 or 906 may be omitted, and the arm 804 or 902 may come into contactwith the contact surfaces 806 a-e or 908 and 910 to close the electricalcircuit and produce an output signal at the electrical output 812 or912.

As described above, an acceleration sensor such as an accelerometer orimpact switch may be used to detect and report potential damage to anambulatory medical device due to shock or impact. Additionally, anaccelerometer can be used to detect physical activities of the user, andthen the user's therapy can be adjusted or operation of the medicaldevice can otherwise be altered in response to the detected activity ofthe user, as will be described below.

The accelerometers described above can be carried or worn by individualsto monitor their physical activities, including exercise. Such physicalactivity generally results in an accelerometer frequency output in therange of 10-60 Hz, up to 100 Hz. Typically, each type of physicalactivity in which the user engages (e.g., running, walking, sitting,etc.) generates a different frequency that can be detected andidentified. Thus, in other embodiments of the present invention, anambulatory medical device such as the external infusion pump 410 mayinclude an acceleration sensor 414 such as one or more accelerometersthat provide signals as a function of a plurality of acceleration forcesacting on the pump 410 and corresponding to physical activity of theuser. In one embodiment, the pump 410 may determine that the user isengaging in physical activity if the output signal of the accelerationsensor 414 exceeds a predetermined acceleration force that is known tocorrespond to such physical activity. In other embodiments, the pump 410may determine that the user is engaging in physical activity based on atrace or pattern of output signals from the acceleration sensor 414. Forexample, running may result in one trace or pattern of varyingmagnitudes of output signals from the acceleration sensor 414, whilewalking may result in another trace or pattern of varying magnitudes ofoutput signals from the acceleration sensor 414. The pump monitors thephysical activity of the user and responds accordingly by providingmessages or alarms to the user (i.e., visually on the display 428,audibly by the speaker 430, and/or tactilely via the vibration alarm416), adjusting the delivery of medication to the user, or otherwisealtering the operation of the pump 410.

For example, some users require less medication, such as insulin, duringperiods of intense exercise and/or for certain periods of time aftersuch exercise. The acceleration sensor 414 incorporated into the pump410 may be used to detect such exercise or other physical activity bythe user. In response to the detected exercise or physical activity, thepump 410 can notify the user to decrease the medication delivery rate.In alternative embodiments, the pump 410 can automatically decrease themedication delivery rate. Moreover, the pump 410 can apply a time delaybetween detecting the commencement of exercise and decreasing themedication delivery rate. The time delay may be a predetermined periodof time for the pump 410 (e.g., 5 minutes), or alternatively, the usermay program the length of the delay. Furthermore, the pump 410 may varythe length of the delay based on the duration and/or intensity of theexercise. In still other embodiments, the pump 410 may change thenocturnal delivery rate (i.e., the delivery rate when the user issleeping) in response to detected exercise earlier in the day.

In particular embodiments, the pump 410 allows the user to program theamount of decrease in the medication delivery rate during and/or afterthe period of exercise. For example, the user can enter a percentagedecrease of the current delivery rate to be used when exercise isdetected. Alternatively, the user can set a specified delivery rate tobe used when exercise is detected. The delivery rate during and/or afterexercise may be any rate that is lower than the delivery rate used whennot exercising, including no medication delivery during exercise.

In other embodiments, the pump 410 may correlate the detected durationand intensity of physical activity to caloric burn. This correlation maybe performed utilizing known algorithms and data correlating exercise tocaloric burn that are preprogrammed into the pump 410 and/or input intothe pump 410 by the user or caregiver. Based on the estimated caloricburn, the pump 410 may notify the user of possible hypoglycemia if thecaloric burn is high, or alternatively, suggest more exercise for theuser if the caloric burn is low. The pump 410 may also modify themedication delivery rate based on the estimated caloric burn. Forexample, the pump 410 may decrease the medication delivery rate if thecaloric burn is high.

In alternative embodiments, the pump 410 may deliver medications orfluids other than insulin. As a result, in some embodiments, the usermay desire more medication or other fluids during exercise. Thus, inresponse to the detected exercise or physical activity by the user, thedelivery rate may be increased in a manner similar to that describedabove for decreasing the delivery rate. For example, the pump maydeliver medications or other fluids such as nutrients, vitamins,minerals, steroids, anabolic drugs, glucose, salts, sources of energy,painkillers, drugs to enhance oxygen uptake, fluids for hydration, orthe like.

In particular embodiments, the acceleration sensor 414 incorporated intothe pump 410 may also be used to detect the cessation of exercise orphysical activity by the user. In response to the detected cessation ofexercise or physical activity, the pump 410 can remind the user toreturn to the normal, programmed delivery rate. In alternativeembodiments, the pump 410 can automatically return to the normal,programmed delivery rate. Additionally, the pump may apply a time delaybetween detecting the cessation of exercise and returning to the normal,programmed delivery rate.

For some users, the length of the delay between ending exercise andreturning to the normal, programmed delivery rate may be dependent onthe duration of the exercise. For example, if the user has exercised for30 minutes or less, the pump 410 may delay for a period of 5 minutesafter the user has stopped exercising, and then return to the normal,programmed delivery rate. In another example, if the user has exercisedfor more than 30 minutes, the pump 410 may delay for a period of 10minutes after the user has stopped exercising, and then return to thenormal, programmed delivery rate. Other time periods of delay orexercise may be used. In alternative embodiments, the user may programthe length of the delay between detecting the cessation of exercise andreturning to the normal, programmed delivery rate.

In further alternative embodiments, the pump 410 may change the deliveryrate gradually from the normal programmed delivery rate to the exercisedelivery rate, and from the exercise delivery rate to the normalprogrammed delivery rate. These gradual changes in rates or dosages canoccur over a period of time in a generally linear manner, a generallyquadratic manner, a generally exponential manner, or a generallylogarithmic manner.

In other embodiments, exercise characteristics, such as frequency,duration, and/or intensity, may be detected by the acceleration sensor414 incorporated into the ambulatory medical device such as the infusionpump 410, and then stored in a history file or database. In oneembodiment, the exercise characteristics may be downloaded from thetransmitter/receiver 417 via a wired or wireless connection to acomputer, PDA, the Internet, or the like, where an exercise history fileor database is maintained. Alternatively, the exercise history file maybe stored and maintained in the memory 422 of the pump 410. The historyfile is analyzed to determine if the user's exercise routine haschanged, and if so, the user is notified to re-evaluate his or hermedication delivery rate.

For example, some users may require more or less medication, such asinsulin, depending on their exercise routine. For users who havesignificantly increased their exercise routine and improved theirphysical conditioning, the amount of insulin required per gram ofcarbohydrate ingested (i.e., carbohydrate ratio) and/or the amount ofinsulin required to lower their blood glucose level a certain number ofunits (i.e., insulin sensitivity) may decrease. On the other hand, forusers who have significantly decreased their exercise routine and lostsome physical conditioning, the amount of insulin required per gram ofcarbohydrate ingested (i.e., carbohydrate ratio) and/or the amount ofinsulin required to lower their blood glucose level a certain number ofunits (i.e., insulin sensitivity) may increase.

In some embodiments, the user may be notified when his or her exerciseroutine has changed throughout a period of three months. Alternatively,users can be notified when their exercise routine has changed for longeror shorter periods of time. For example, some users with diabetes mayrequire a different amount of insulin when they are ill compared to whenthey are healthy. Thus, if such a user is ill and cannot exercise, thenafter just 2 or 3 days, the pump can notify the user to re-evaluatehis/her carbohydrate ratio and/or insulin sensitivity.

In particular embodiments, the exercise history file may be maintainedand analyzed on a device other than the pump 410, such as a computer,PDA, the Internet, or the like. The user may then be notified thathis/her exercise routine has changed and/or to re-evaluate his/hermedication delivery rate by email, while operating a computer program,while communicating with a web site, or the like. Alternatively, theuser can receive this notification from the user's glucose meter ormonitoring system, PDA, cell phone, or the like. In further alternativeembodiments, this notification can be transmitted to thetransmitter/receiver 417, and then provided to the user by the pump 410visually on the display 428, audibly by the audible alarm 430, and/ortactilely via the vibration alarm 416. In other embodiments, theexercise history file may be maintained and analyzed on the pump 410.The pump 410 then notifies the user that the user's exercise routine haschanged and/or to re-evaluate the user's medication delivery ratevisually on the display 428, audibly by the audible alarm 430, and/ortactilely via the vibration alarm 416. In alternative embodiments, thetransmitter/receiver 417 may be utilized to communicate thisnotification to a device other than the infusion pump 410 so that theuser can receive this notification as described above, such as by email,while operating a computer program, while communicating with a web site,or the like. Alternatively, the user can receive this notification fromthe user's glucose meter or monitoring system, PDA, cell phone, or thelike.

In further alternative embodiments, sensing devices other than anacceleration sensor 414 incorporated into the infusion pump 410 may beused to detect exercise, such as for example, a respiratory ratemeasuring device, a blood glucose monitor, a heart rate measurementdevice, a blood oxygen sensor, a body temperature sensor, or the like.These sensing devices can communicate with the pump 410 via thetransmitter/receiver 417, and the pump 410 can maintain and analyze theexercise history file and/or modify the medication delivery rate. Inother alternative embodiments, these sensing devices can communicatewith a device external to the pump 410 (e.g., computer, PDA, theInternet), which stores and analyzes the exercise history file. If thepump 410 or device external to the pump 410 (e.g., computer, PDA, theInternet) determines that the user's exercise routine has changed, theuser can be notified of such change and/or to re-evaluate his/hermedication delivery rate by the pump 410 or other external device asdescribed above.

In addition to acceleration, other environmental conditions canadversely affect the performance of ambulatory medical devices such asthe infusion pump 410. For example, temperature extremes can affect bothperformance of the infusion pump 410 as well as certain medications,such as insulin. Thus, an ambulatory medical device such as the infusionpump 410 may also include a temperature or thermal sensor 426, whichallows the pump 410 to notify the user when the pump 410 is exposed tovarying or extreme temperatures (hot or cold). Temperature sensing canbe used, for example, to estimate the effect of temperature on theperformance of the pump 410 itself, the pump's power supply 440 such asa battery, and/or degradation of insulin or other medication. Thethermal sensor 426 may be any of the known thermal sensors, including,for example, thermoresistors (thermistors), thermocouples, thermal flowrate sensors, resistance temperature detectors (“RTDs”), platinumresistors, diode temperature sensors, silicon transistor thermometers,integrated temperature transducers, PTAT circuits, thermopiles,pyroelectric thermometers, quartz thermometers, and the like.

RTD's operate on the principle that the electrical resistance of manymetals, such as platinum, aluminum and copper, or the like will increaseover a certain range of temperatures. A fine wire of metal is wound on acore to obtain a high level of resistance or is patterned as a thin filmon a substrate. The varying resistance is then measured as a function oftemperature.

A thermistor sensor also operates on the principle of varying electricalresistances as a function of temperature. However, these devices aremade from various nonmetallic conductors (e.g., metal oxides andsilicon) and can offer the advantage of higher thermal coefficients ofresistance and greater sensitivities (AR/AT). Moreover, some types ofthermistors provide increasing electrical resistance as temperatureincreases, whereas other types provide decreasing resistance.

A thermocouple sensor consists of two dissimilar metals that are bondedtogether by welding or other means. The bimetallic junction develops asmall voltage that varies with temperature. Thermocouples are relativelyinexpensive and provide moderately accurate and consistent measurements.However, one disadvantage is that they produce very small outputvoltages which are comparable to the voltages developed at the junctionsformed where the thermocouple wire is connected to other components.This must be compensated for in the associated circuitry.

Many temperature sensor integrated circuit devices operate on theprinciple that at a constant current bias, the voltage drop across asilicon P-N diode junction can vary with temperature. Because the P-Njunction is the basic building block of diodes, transistors, and ICs,temperature sensing can be incorporated at a relatively low cost.

There are various uses for a temperature or thermal sensor 426 in anambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump 410. In oneembodiment, the infusion pump 410 uses the temperature sensor 426 forwarning purposes. In extreme environments, medication such as insulincan degrade and become less effective. Also, electronic components ofthe pump 410 may malfunction (e.g., the display 428 may go blank). Thethermal sensor 426 is used to measure or detect temperature conditionsto which the pump 410 is subjected, and in response to the detectedtemperature, the pump 410 can notify the user of potential problems dueto the temperature before they occur (e.g., insulin degradation,electronics malfunction). Additionally, if the thermal sensor 426detects a sufficiently high or low temperature, problems such as insulindegradation may have already occurred. Thus, the pump 410 can providethe user with an alarm to notify the user of the insulin degradation.

In operation, the thermal sensor 426 provides an output signal as afunction of the temperature in the housing 420. The processor 418converts the output signal to a value, and compares that value with apredetermined temperature value stored in the memory 422 that isassociated with a predetermined temperature. If the temperature measuredby the thermal sensor 426 exceeds the predetermined temperature, theprocessor 418 may provide an alarm to the user (i.e., tactilely via thevibration alarm 416, audibly by the audible alarm 430, and/or visuallyon the display 428) to indicate that the pump 410 has been subjected toextremely high temperatures, and as a result, to check the pump (e.g.,whether insulin degradation has occurred, the display hasmalfunctioned).

Additionally, in cold environments, there may be a higher occurrence ofmedication flow stoppage due to the reduced viscosity of somemedications such as insulin. The lower viscosity fluid requires a higherforce to deliver the fluid from the reservoir, through the tubing, andinto the infusion set adhered to the patient. However, this higherdelivery force can be more likely to trigger a false occlusion alarm ascompared with pump operations at warmer temperatures. Accordingly, inanother embodiment of the present invention, for an ambulatory medicaldevice such as the infusion pump 301 which utilizes a force sensor 311to detect occlusions, the programmed occlusion alarm limits are madedependent on the measured temperatures to which the pump 301 issubjected. When the temperature decreases, the pump occlusion alarmlimit is increased accordingly.

In operation, the memory 422 stores a predetermined temperature valueassociated with a predetermined temperature and a predetermined forcethreshold value associated with a predetermined force thresholdcorresponding to a fluid occlusion. The thermal sensor 426 provides anoutput signal as a function of the temperature in the housing 420. Theprocessor 418 converts the output signal to a value, and compares thatvalue with the predetermined temperature value. If the temperaturemeasured by the thermal sensor 426 is less than the predeterminedtemperature, the processor 418 alters the predetermined force thresholdvalue to provide a modified force threshold value. In other words, theforce threshold corresponding to an occlusion is changed. Subsequently,if a measured force (as measured, for example, by the force sensor 311)exceeds the modified force threshold value, the processor 418 providesan alarm to the user (i.e., visually on the display 428, audibly by theaudible alarm 430, and/or tactilely via the vibration alarm 416) toindicate the occlusion.

In other embodiments, temperature data is used to modify a deliverypulse of the pump. For example, in some ambulatory medical devices suchas the infusion pump 410, friction within the drive mechanism 432 and/orreservoir 434 is often dependent on the temperature at which the pump410 is operating. As temperature decreases, friction increases, and as aresult, more energy is required by the drive mechanism 432 to deliverfluid out of the reservoir 434. Therefore, the thermal sensor 426 canmeasure the temperature within the pump housing 420. The processor 418compares the measured temperature with a predetermined temperaturestored in the memory 422. If the measured temperature is below thepredetermined temperature, the processor 418 increases the deliverypulse, for example, by increasing the duration or the amount of energyin the delivery pulse.

In yet another embodiment, temperature data is used as an indicator ofreduced battery life. For example, in some ambulatory medical devicessuch as the infusion pump 410, alkaline-manganese dioxide batteries canbe used as the power supply 440. Battery performance is often dependenton the temperature at which the battery is operating. As temperaturedecreases, the discharge resistance of the battery increases, therebyreducing the battery's life. Therefore, the thermal sensor 426 canmeasure the temperature within the pump housing 420. The processor 418compares the measured temperature with a predetermined temperaturestored in the memory 422. For example, the predetermined temperature maybe a temperature that causes a battery discharge resistance increase of10, 15, 25, 50 percent or some other percentage. If the measuredtemperature is below the predetermined temperature, the pump 410provides an alarm to the user, indicating that battery life may bereduced due to the temperature to which the pump 410 is subjected.

Additionally, in other embodiments, an ambulatory medical device such asthe infusion pump 410 uses temperature data to modify batterymeasurement algorithms. In one embodiment, when the temperaturedecreases, the measurement frequency of the power supply 440 such as thebattery may be increased to ensure that there is adequate power foreffective operation of the pump 410. For example, in the infusion pump410, a battery measurement may be taken every hour. Since the act oftaking this measurement requires power, it can be important to minimizethe frequency of battery measurements. On the other hand, if there areexternal conditions that effectively reduce the battery performance,such as lower temperatures, it may be desirable to modify the pump 410to take battery measurements differently, possibly more frequently, sothat appropriate low battery and dead battery conditions can be detectedearlier than otherwise.

Thus, the processor 418 samples the output voltage of the battery 440 ata first sampling frequency. The thermal sensor 426 provides an outputsignal as a function of the temperature in the housing 420. Theprocessor 418 converts the output signal to a value and compares thatvalue with a predetermined temperature value stored in the memory 422corresponding to a predetermined temperature. If the temperaturemeasured by the thermal sensor 426 is less than the predeterminedtemperature, the processor 418 alters the battery voltage sampling fromthe first sampling frequency to a second sampling frequency inaccordance with this comparison.

Humidity is yet another environmental variable that can affectperformance of an ambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump410. In one embodiment, the humidity sensor 412 is incorporated withinthe infusion pump 410, and provides an output signal as a function ofhumidity levels in the housing 420. Alternatively, the humidity sensor412 can be disposed to provide an output signal as a function ofhumidity levels external to the housing 420.

The processor 418 converts the output signal from the humidity sensor toa value, and compares that value with a predetermined value stored inthe memory 422 that is associated with a predetermined humidity level.Based on the comparison, the processor 418 then provides a warning oralarm to the user (i.e., visually on the display 428, audibly by theaudible alarm 430, and/or tactilely via the vibration alarm 416). Thehumidity sensor 412 may be any of the known humidity sensors, includingcapacitive humidity sensors, resistive humidity sensors, and thermalconductivity humidity sensors.

Capacitive humidity sensors consist of a substrate on which a thin filmof polymer or metal oxide is deposited between two conductiveelectrodes. The sensing surface is coated with a porous metal electrodeto protect it from contamination and exposure to condensation. Thechange in the dielectric constant of a capacitive humidity sensor isproportional to the relative humidity of the surrounding environment.

Resistive humidity sensors measure the change in electrical impedance ofa hygroscopic medium such as a conductive polymer, salt, or treatedsubstrate. The impedance change is typically inversely proportional tothe humidity level. Resistive sensors frequently consist of noble metalelectrodes deposited on a substrate. The substrate can be coated with asalt or conductive polymer. When it is dissolved or suspended in aliquid binder, it functions as a vehicle to evenly coat the sensor.

Thermal conductivity humidity sensors measure the absolute humidity byquantifying the difference in the thermal conductivity between dry airand air containing water vapor. They usually consist of two thermistorelements in a bridge circuit—one is encapsulated in a gas, such as drynitrogen, and the other is exposed to the environment. When current ispassed through the thermistors, resistive heating increases theirtemperature. The heat dissipated from the encapsulated thermistor isgreater than the exposed thermistor due to the difference in the thermalconductivity of the water vapor as compared to dry nitrogen. Since theheat dissipated yields different operating temperatures, the differencein resistance of the thermistors is proportional to the humidity.

In particular embodiments, humidity measurements from within anambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump 410 are used todetect a breach in the pump's watertight integrity. The humidity sensor412 may measure the humidity level within the housing 420 of the pump410, and the processor 418 may compare the measured humidity with apredetermined humidity level stored in the memory 422. For example, thepredetermined humidity level may be a very high humidity level (e.g.,greater than 90%, 80%, or some other percentage) within the housing 420of the pump 410 that may indicate possible water intrusion into the pump410 due to a damaged housing 420. If the measured humidity exceeds thepredetermined humidity level, the pump 410 notifies the user andindicates the necessity to perform some self-test or investigation, orto contact the manufacturer for service. This notification can beprovided tactilely via the vibration alarm 416, audibly by the audiblealarm 430, and/or visually on the display 428. Alternatively, theprocessor 418 can activate the transmitter/receiver 417, which can sendthe humidity level information to an external device for analysis ornotification to the user.

Although some ambulatory medical devices are designed to be resistant tothe effects of static electricity, it nevertheless is possible that highlevels of static discharge can cause such a device to alarm. Asignificant environmental parameter affecting the generation of staticelectricity is humidity. The effects of static electricity increase witha decrease in humidity. Therefore, in another embodiment, the humiditysensor 412 in an ambulatory medical device such as the infusion pump 410can measure humidity external to the pump 410, and the user can then benotified of high humidity conditions. Alternatively, humidity measuredby the humidity sensor 412 from within the pump 410 can also be used.However, there likely will be a time lag between a change in externalhumidity and the detection of such a change by the humidity sensor 412that measures internal humidity.

Thus, there is disclosed an ambulatory medical device that is adaptedfor carrying by a person, preferably by external attachment to theperson's body. The ambulatory medical device has acceleration, thermaland/or humidity sensors which, along with system electronics, controlthe device by, among other things, altering the operation of the device,providing an alarm or text message to the user, and/or transmitting datato another device.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The claims are intendedto cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope andspirit of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claimsrather than the foregoing description, and all changes which come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are thereforeintended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An external infusion device for infusing fluidinto a person, comprising: a housing adapted to be carried on anexterior of the person; a reservoir contained in the housing; a drivemechanism contained in the housing and operatively coupled to thereservoir to deliver fluid from the reservoir into the person; aprocessor contained in the housing; an indicator operatively coupled tothe processor and adapted to provide at least one of a visualindication, an audible indication, or a tactile indication to indicateinformation about the infusion device to the person; and an accelerationsensor coupled to the processor and adapted to provide an accelerationoutput signal as a function of acceleration forces acting on thehousing, wherein the acceleration sensor is an impact switch disposedwithin the housing, the impact switch comprising: a switch electricalinput, a switch electrical output, an electrically conductive seismicmass having a pivot end and a free end, the mass being electricallycoupled to the switch electrical output and being pivotably mounted tothe housing at the pivot end for movement in a first closing contactdirection, a magnet electrical input, a magnet electrical output, and afirst electromagnet electrically coupled to the switch electrical inputand electrically coupled to the magnet electrical input and the magnetelectrical output, the first electromagnet being adapted to generate afirst magnetic field to releasably hold the free end of the mass,wherein the mass is adapted to move in the first closing contactdirection and the first magnetic field generated by the firstelectromagnet is adapted to hold the free end of the mass such that acircuit between the switch electrical input and the switch electricaloutput is closed to provide the acceleration output signal when a firstpredetermined acceleration force acts on the housing, wherein theprocessor is adapted to control the infusion device in accordance withthe acceleration output signal.
 2. The external infusion device of claim1, wherein the impact switch further comprises: a reset switch having anopen position and a closed position, the reset switch being adapted toelectrically connect the magnet electrical input to the magnetelectrical output such that the first magnetic field collapses and thefree end of the mass is released when the reset switch is in the closedposition.
 3. The external infusion device of claim 1, wherein theconductive seismic mass comprises: an electrically conductive arm memberhaving a proximate end and a distal end, the arm member being pivotablycoupled to the housing at the proximate end; and an electricallyconductive contact member mounted on the distal end of the arm member,the contact member being electrically coupled to the arm member andadapted to be held by the first magnetic field generated by the firstelectromagnet.
 4. The external infusion device of claim 1, wherein themass is further pivotably mounted to the housing at the pivot end formovement in a second closing contact direction, and wherein the impactswitch further comprises: a second electromagnet electrically coupled tothe switch electrical input and electrically coupled to the magnetelectrical input and the magnet electrical output, the secondelectromagnet being adapted to generate a second magnetic field toreleasably hold the free end of the mass, wherein the mass is adapted tomove in the second closing contact direction and the second magneticfield generated by the second electromagnet is adapted to hold the freeend of the mass such that a circuit between the switch electrical inputand the switch electrical output is closed to provide the accelerationoutput signal when a second predetermined acceleration force acts on thehousing.
 5. The external infusion device of claim 4, wherein the impactswitch further comprises: a reset switch having an open position and aclosed position, the reset switch being adapted to electrically connectthe magnet electrical input to the magnet electrical output such thatthe second magnetic field collapses and the free end of the mass isreleased when the reset switch is in the closed position.
 6. Theexternal infusion device of claim 1, further comprising a memorycontained in the housing and coupled to the processor, wherein thememory is adapted to store a predetermined acceleration thresholdcorresponding to an impact on the housing.
 7. The external infusiondevice of claim 6, wherein if the acceleration output signal exceeds thepredetermined acceleration threshold, the processor is adapted tocontrol the infusion device by causing the indicator to provide an alarmor a warning to the person.
 8. The external infusion device of claim 6,wherein if the acceleration output signal exceeds the predeterminedacceleration threshold, the processor is adapted to control the infusiondevice by causing the drive mechanism to alter delivery of the fluidinto the person.
 9. The external infusion device of claim 6, furthercomprising a transmitter/receiver contained in the housing and coupledto the processor, wherein the transmitter/receiver is adapted tocommunicate with a remote device, and further wherein if theacceleration output signal exceeds the predetermined accelerationthreshold, the processor is adapted to control the infusion device bycausing the transmitter/receiver to send information about the impact tothe remote device.
 10. The external infusion device of claim 1, whereinthe processor is further adapted to determine whether the person isengaging in a physical activity based on the acceleration output signal.11. The external infusion device of claim 1, wherein if the processordetermines that the person is engaging in a physical activity, theprocessor is adapted to control the infusion device by causing the drivemechanism to alter delivery of the fluid into the person from a currentdelivery rate to a modified delivery rate.
 12. The external infusiondevice of claim 11, wherein the processor is further adapted todetermine whether the person has stopped engaging in the physicalactivity based on the acceleration output signal, and if the processordetermines that the person has stopped engaging in the physicalactivity, the processor is adapted to control the infusion device bycausing the drive mechanism to return delivery of the fluid into theperson from the modified delivery rate to the current delivery rate. 13.An external ambulatory medical device for use on a person's body,comprising: a housing adapted to be carried on an exterior of theperson's body; a processor contained in the housing; an indicatoroperatively coupled to the processor and adapted to provide at least oneof a visual indication, an audible indication, or a tactile indicationto indicate information about the ambulatory medical device to theperson; and an acceleration sensor coupled to the processor and adaptedto provide an acceleration output signal as a function of accelerationforces acting on the housing, wherein the acceleration sensor is animpact switch disposed within the housing, the impact switch comprising:a switch electrical input, a switch electrical output, an electricallyconductive seismic mass having a pivot end and a free end, the massbeing electrically coupled to the switch electrical output and beingpivotably mounted to the housing at the pivot end for movement in afirst closing contact direction, a magnet electrical input, a magnetelectrical output, and a first electromagnet electrically coupled to theswitch electrical input and electrically coupled to the magnetelectrical input and the magnet electrical output, the firstelectromagnet being adapted to generate a first magnetic field toreleasably hold the free end of the mass, wherein the mass is adapted tomove in the first closing contact direction and the first magnetic fieldgenerated by the first electromagnet is adapted to hold the free end ofthe mass such that a circuit between the switch electrical input and theswitch electrical output is closed to provide the acceleration outputsignal when a first predetermined acceleration force acts on thehousing, wherein the processor is adapted to control the ambulatorymedical device and the indicator is adapted to indicate informationabout the ambulatory medical device based on the acceleration outputsignal.
 14. The ambulatory medical device of claim 13, wherein theimpact switch further comprises: a reset switch having an open positionand a closed position, the reset switch being adapted to electricallyconnect the magnet electrical input to the magnet electrical output suchthat the first magnetic field collapses and the free end of the mass isreleased when the reset switch is in the closed position.
 15. Theambulatory medical device of claim 13, wherein the conductive seismicmass comprises: an electrically conductive arm member having a proximateend and a distal end, the arm member being pivotably coupled to thehousing at the proximate end; and an electrically conductive contactmember mounted on the distal end of the arm member, the contact memberbeing electrically coupled to the arm member and adapted to be held bythe first magnetic field generated by the first electromagnet.
 16. Theambulatory medical device of claim 13, wherein the mass is furtherpivotably mounted to the housing at the pivot end for movement in asecond closing contact direction, and wherein the impact switch furthercomprises: a second electromagnet electrically coupled to the switchelectrical input and electrically coupled to the magnet electrical inputand the magnet electrical output, the second electromagnet being adaptedto generate a second magnetic field to releasably hold the free end ofthe mass, wherein the mass is adapted to move in the second closingcontact direction and the second magnetic field generated by the secondelectromagnet is adapted to hold the free end of the mass such that acircuit between the switch electrical input and the switch electricaloutput is closed to provide the acceleration output signal when a secondpredetermined acceleration force acts on the housing.
 17. The ambulatorymedical device of claim 16, wherein the impact switch further comprises:a reset switch having an open position and a closed position, the resetswitch being adapted to electrically connect the magnet electrical inputto the magnet electrical output such that the second magnetic fieldcollapses and the free end of the mass is released when the reset switchis in the closed position.
 18. The ambulatory medical device of claim13, wherein the ambulatory medical device is an external infusion pump.19. The ambulatory medical device of claim 13, wherein the ambulatorymedical device is a glucose monitoring device.
 20. The ambulatorymedical device of claim 13, further comprising a transmitter/receivercontained in the housing and coupled to the processor, wherein thetransmitter/receiver is adapted to communicate with a remote device, andfurther wherein the processor is adapted to control the ambulatorymedical device by causing the transmitter/receiver to send informationabout the ambulatory medical device to the remote device based on theacceleration output signal.